Bangkok: Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, is implementing the "Lemon Law" approach by directing the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to conduct inspections of electric vehicles across the nation. Legal actions will be promptly initiated if defects or incomplete labeling are discovered.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas has tasked Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong, and Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat with the responsibility of overseeing and intensifying the inspections of electric vehicle sales throughout the country. This initiative begins with showrooms in Bangkok and its vicinity, with plans to extend to other provinces. Businesses are required to display accurate labeling and essential vehicle information as per legal standards. Any violations will be addressed immediately under the law.
Ms. Supamas emphasized that this effort aligns with the government's policy, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which focuses on consumer protection for high-value goods that have a direct impact on public expenses. As electric vehicles grow in popularity, consumers require comprehensive and precise information to make informed choices. Details such as vehicle specifications, battery performance, and warranty conditions are crucial. The CPB will collaborate with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute and the Department of Land Transport to enhance the standards for EV information disclosure, ensuring consumers have complete and accurate data before purchasing.
'Electric vehicles are high-value products. Each purchase decision impacts usage and long-term costs for consumers. Therefore, consumers need complete, accurate, and truthful information to compare and make confident choices. Legally required labeling is a consumer protection mechanism that begins before the purchase,' stated Ms. Suphamas.
Ms. Supamas also highlighted the preparation for compliance with the draft Product Liability Act, or Lemon Law, which is currently under parliamentary consideration. This aims to bolster consumer protection for high-value items like automobiles. In the interim, existing laws, including the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979), will be fully enforced.
Ms. Suphamas urged consumers to verify vehicle labels and information, particularly battery warranty conditions, before purchasing. She encouraged the public to report any incomplete or unfair information via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the ocpb.go.th website, or the Damrongtham Centers nationwide.